Handheld Barcode Readers and Assemblies with Vision Cameras

ABSTRACT

Handheld barcode readers and assemblies are disclosed herein. An example handheld barcode reader includes a housing defining a head portion and a base portion, a vision camera positioned in the base portion, a barcode reading module positioned at least partially in the head portion, and a controller in communication with the barcode reading module and the vision camera. The vision camera has a first FOV directed through a base window in the base portion and the barcode reading module has a second FOV directed through a scan window in the head portion. The controller is configured to decode barcodes read by the barcode reading module, receive captured images from the vision camera, and synchronize the barcode reading module and the vision camera such that the vision camera does not capture images when the barcode reading module is active.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The current disclosure is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 17/710,526, filed on Mar. 31, 2022, and incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The use of vision systems having vision cameras at the point of sale,for example in bioptic scanners, is expanding. However, for retail orother environments that use handheld barcode readers or slot scanners,there currently are no good solutions that use vision systems at thepoint of sale. Therefore, there is a need for a handheld barcode readerand/or handheld barcode reader assembly that includes a vision camera tomonitor a checkout area for typical loss prevention issues, such assweethearting, ticket switching, scan avoidance, etc.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the present invention is a handheld barcode readercomprising a housing defining a head portion and a base portion, avision camera positioned in the base portion, a barcode reading modulepositioned at least partially in the head portion, and a controller incommunication with the barcode reading module and the vision camera. Thevision camera has a first field-of-view (FOV) directed through a basewindow in the base portion and the barcode reading module having asecond FOV directed through a scan window in the head portion. Thecontroller is configured to decode barcodes read by the barcode readingmodule, receive captured images from the vision camera, and synchronizethe barcode reading module and the vision camera such that the visioncamera does not capture images when the barcode reading module isactive.

In a variation of this embodiment, the base portion comprises an upperportion and two switchable, field upgradable lower portions removablyattachable to the upper portion. A first lower portion of the twoswitchable, field upgradable lower portions includes the vision cameraand a second lower portion of the two switchable, field upgradable lowerportions does not include the vision camera.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a handheld barcodereader comprising a housing defining a head portion and a base portion,a vision camera positioned at least partially in the head portion, abarcode reading module positioned at least partially in the headportion, and a controller in communication with the barcode readingmodule and the vision camera. The vision camera has a first FOV and thebarcode reading module has a second FOV directed through a scan windowin the head portion. The controller is configured to decode barcodesread by the barcode reading module, receive captured images from thevision camera, and synchronize the barcode reading module and the visioncamera such that the vision camera does not capture images when thebarcode reading module is active.

In a variation of this embodiment, the head portion comprises twoswitchable, field upgradable portions. A first portion of the twoswitchable, field upgradable portions comprises the vision camera, thefirst FOV of the vision camera being directed through a front windowformed in the head portion, and a second portion of the two switchable,field upgradable portions does not include the vision camera.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a base to receive andsupport a handheld barcode reader. The base comprises a base housing anda vision camera positioned within the base housing. The base housingcomprises a cradle section configured to receive the handheld barcodereader and the vision camera has a first FOV directed through a basewindow in the base housing.

In a variation of this embodiment, a handheld barcode reader assemblycomprises the base and a handheld barcode reader.

In another variation of this embodiment, the base housing comprises anupper portion and two switchable, field upgradable bottom portions, eachremovably attachable to the upper portion. A first bottom portion of thetwo switchable, field upgradable bottom portions comprises the visioncamera and a second bottom portion of the two switchable, fieldupgradable bottom portions does not include the vision camera.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a cradle to receive andsupport a handheld barcode reader. The cradle comprises a cradle portionconfigured to receive the handheld barcode reader, a base portionconnected to the cradle portion via an arm, and a vision camerapositioned in the cradle portion of the base portion.

In a variation of this embodiment, a handheld barcode reader assemblycomprises the cradle and a handheld barcode reader.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated inand form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrateembodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explainvarious principles and advantages of those embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first example handheldbarcode reader;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the handheld barcode reader of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the handheld barcode reader of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the handheld barcode reader ofFIG. 1 with two interchangeable, field-upgradable lower portions;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a second example handheldbarcode reader;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the handheld barcode reader of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the handheld barcode reader of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the handheld barcode reader ofFIG. 5 with two interchangeable, field-upgradable lower portions;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a third example handheldbarcode reader;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the handheld barcode reader of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the handheld barcode reader of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the handheld barcode reader ofFIG. 9 with two interchangeable, field-upgradable lower portions;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a fourth example handheldbarcode reader;

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the handheld barcode reader of FIG.13 ;

FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of the handheld barcode reader of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the handheld barcode reader ofFIG. 13 with two interchangeable, field-upgradable front portions;

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of an example base for receivingand supporting a handheld barcode reader;

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of the base of FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of the base of FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of the base of FIG. 18 with twointerchangeable, field-upgradable lower portions;

FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of a first example handheld barcodereader assembly with the base of FIGS. 17-20 ;

FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of the handheld barcode reader assemblyof FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of an example cradle to receive andsupport a handheld barcode reader;

FIG. 24 illustrates side view of a second example handheld barcodereader assembly with the cradle of FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 25 illustrates a top view of the handheld barcode reader assemblyof FIG. 24 ;

FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of an example adapter for usewith a handheld barcode reader or a base for a handheld barcode reader;

FIG. 27 illustrates a side view of the adapter of FIG. 26 ;

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of a third example handheldbarcode reader assembly with the adapter of FIGS. 26-27 ;

FIG. 29 illustrates a side view of the handheld barcode reader assemblyof FIG. 28 ;

FIG. 30 illustrates a top view of the handheld barcode reader assemblyof FIG. 28 ;

FIG. 31 illustrates a side view of a fourth example handheld barcodereader assembly with the adapter of FIGS. 26-27 ; and

FIG. 32 illustrates a top view of the handheld barcode reader assemblyof FIG. 31 .

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

The apparatus and method components have been represented whereappropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only thosespecific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments ofthe present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with detailsthat will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The example handheld barcode readers and handheld barcode readerassemblies disclosed herein include a vision camera, in addition to abarcode reading module, that can be used to address typical lossprevention issues, such as sweethearting, ticket switching, scanavoidance, etc. The vision camera can be placed in the base portion of ahandheld barcode reader, in a base that receives and supports a handheldbarcode reader, or in an adapter that can be attached to a handheldbarcode reader or a base that receives and supports a handheld barcodereader.

When used in a retail environment, the vision camera can be configuredto view a large portion of the checkout area, including the entire spacearound the counter and a standing or seated users face, in order tomonitor for loss prevention and other applications, such as facialrecognition, etc. These handheld barcode readers and handheld barcodereader assemblies can also be useful in other environments, such as inthe healthcare field. For example, the handheld barcode readers andhandheld barcode reader assemblies can be placed on a check-in desk ormounted to a wheeled cart, such as those typically used in medicalfacilities, and the vision cameras can be used to take photos of apatient during initial registration or can be used with facialrecognition as a secondary means of verification during administrationof medication.

The vision camera can be used to determine whether or not a handheldbarcode reader is seated in a base or cradle (e.g., to automaticallyswitch from a hands fee mode of operation to a handheld mode ofoperation). The vision camera can also be used detect if a user leavesthe field-of-view of the vision camera and the handheld barcode readeris not returned to the base or cradle. This can trigger an alert thateither the handheld barcode reader needs to be charged or may have beenstolen or misplaced. The vision camera can also be used to detect if aface of a user is within a FOV and, if a face is detected, thecontroller can dim the illumination of the barcode reading module toprevent eye annoyance while the handheld barcode scanner is in ahands-free operational mode.

With a vision camera having a wide field-of-view (e.g., 100 degrees),the handheld barcode reader or handheld barcode reader assembly couldpotentially be positioned such that the vision camera can see both thecustomer and the cashier standing to either side of the counter. In thiscase, specific interactions between both customer and cashier could bemonitored, such as when the customer hands cash over cash, credit card,or coupons to a cashier, and receives them back, or when a cashier handsthe customer a receipt. Alerts could be triggered, for example, if thecashier forgets to hand the credit card back to the user or if thecashier forgets to give the receipt to the customer.

The vision camera can also be mounted within the handheld barcode readeror the base on an adjustable arm, in a ball joint or gimbal, or on apositionable bracket so that the vision camera can be aimed to bestcover the checkout area layout specific to a particular environment.Different environments may require different orientations of thehandheld barcode reader or base. In some applications, the vision cameramay be aimed at the customer when in hands-free mode or at the cashier.In other applications, the handheld barcode reader or handheld barcodereader assembly can be positioned sideways between the cashier andcustomer. With adjustability, the vision camera can be aimeddifferently, depending on how the handheld barcode reader or handheldbarcode reader assembly is sitting. The vision camera could also betilted higher or lower in cases where the handheld barcode reader orhandheld barcode reader assembly is mounted on a cart on wheels tobetter take pictures of the patient. The mechanism could also be lockedinto the desired position, so it is not easily changed.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , a first example handheld barcode reader 100 isillustrated. Handheld barcode reader 100 generally includes a housing105 having a head portion 110 and a base portion 135. Base portion 135includes an upper portion 140, a lower portion 150 removably attached toupper portion 140, and a base window 145 formed in upper portion 140.While lower portion 150 is shown as being separable from upper portion140 in a horizontal direction, the separation between lower portion 150and upper portion 140 could be vertical or in any other directionappropriate for a particular application. In the particular exampleshown, housing 105 also has a handle portion 170 positioned between headportion 110 and base portion 135 and configured to be grasped by thehand of a user.

A vision camera 155 is positioned within base portion 135 and has afirst field-of-view (FOV) 160 that is directed out of base window 145 inupper portion 140 of base portion 135. Preferably, an area adjacent afront of handle portion 170 (e.g., within 10 mm of the front of handleportion 170 or within a finger's width of the front of handle portion170) is visible in first FOV 160, which can be used to determine if auser is gripping handle portion and possibly switch handheld barcodereader 100 between a hands-free presentation mode and a handheldscanning mode based on vision camera 155 detecting the presence orabsence of the hand of the user within first FOV 160. In the exampleshown, vision camera 155 is configured to capture images to performfunctions such as facial recognition, gesture recognition, productidentification, scan avoidance, ticket switching, etc., and is notconfigured to capture images for decoding barcodes.

A barcode reading module 120 is positioned at least partially in headportion 110 and has a second FOV 125 that is directed through a scanwindow 115 in head portion 110 and can at least partially overlap firstFOV 160.

A controller 175 is also positioned within housing 105 and is incommunication with barcode reading module 120 and vision camera 155.Controller 175 is configured to decode process signals from barcodereading module 120 from barcodes that are read by barcode reading module120 and to receive and process images captured by and received fromvision camera 155 for processes that do not include barcode reading, asdiscussed above. Controller 175 is also configured to synchronizebarcode reading module 120 and vision camera 155 so that vision camera155 does not capture images when barcode reading module 120 is active.Controller 175 can synchronize barcode reading module 120 and visioncamera 155 based on images captured by vision camera 155 or handheldbarcode reader 100 could have an optical sensor 180 that is positionedin base portion 135, is in communication with controller 175, and has athird FOV 185 that at least partially overlaps second FOV 125 of barcodereading module 120 to determine when barcode reading module 120 isactive. Controller 175 can then be configured to receive signals fromoptical sensor 180 indicating whether or not barcode reading module 120is active and synchronize vision camera 155 and barcode reading module120 (e.g., by not capturing images from vision camera 155 while barcodereading module 120 is active) based on the signals received from opticalsensor 180. Alternatively, controller 175 could be configured tosynchronize vision camera 155 and barcode reading module 120 to activatesimultaneously so that vision camera 155 can use the same illuminationas barcode reading module 120.

As best shown in FIG. 3 , first FOV 160 of vision camera 155 has ahorizontal viewing angle 165 that is larger than the horizontal viewingangle 130 of second FOV 125 of barcode reading module 120. For example,horizontal viewing angle 165 of first FOV 160 could be between 80degrees and 120 degrees and is preferably 100 degrees. In addition,horizontal viewing angle 130 of second FOV 125 could be between 40degrees and 60 degrees. With horizontal viewing angle 165 of first FOV160 of vision camera 155 being wider than horizontal viewing angle 130of second FOV 125 of barcode reading module 120, vision camera 155 canbe used as a wake-up system and controller 175 can be configured to turnon barcode reading module 120 when an object is detected in first FOV160 of vision camera 155, before the object reaches second FOV 125 ofbarcode reading module 120. This allows barcode reading module 120 to beactive as the object enters second FOV 125 and allows more time forbarcode reading module 120 to read and decode a barcode on the object.

Handheld barcode reader 100 can also have two switchable, fieldupgradeable lower portions so that handheld barcode reader 100 can beconfigured to have vision camera 155 or not have vision camera 155. Forexample, referring to FIG. 4 , base portion 135 of handheld barcodereader 100 can have lower portion 150, as described above, whichincludes vision camera 155 (and optical sensor 180 if used) and can havea switchable, field upgradeable second lower portion 150A that is alsoremovably attachable to upper portion 140 of base portion 135 and doesnot include vision camera 155 or optical sensor 180. Since second lowerportion 150A does not have vision camera 155, second lower portion 150Acould have an extension 190 that extends from second lower portion 150Aand is configured to block base window 145 in upper portion 140.Alternatively, rather than extension 190, base window 145 could becovered or blocked by a label, a plug, a plate, etc. when second lowerportion 150A is used.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7 , a second example handheld barcode reader 200 isillustrated. Handheld barcode reader 200 generally includes a housing205 having a head portion 210 and a base portion 235. Base portion 235includes an upper portion 240, a lower portion 250 removably attached toupper portion 240, and a base window 245 formed in upper portion 240.While lower portion 250 is shown as being separable from upper portion240 in a horizontal direction, the separation between lower portion 250and upper portion 240 could be vertical or in any other directionappropriate for a particular application.

A vision camera 255 is positioned within base portion 235 and has afirst field-of-view (FOV) 260 that is directed out of base window 245 inupper portion 240 of base portion 235. In the example shown, visioncamera 255 is configured to capture images to perform functions such asfacial recognition, gesture recognition, product identification, scanavoidance, ticket switching, etc., and is not configured to captureimages for decoding barcodes.

A barcode reading module 220 is positioned at least partially in headportion 210 and has a second FOV 225 that is directed through a scanwindow 215 in head portion 210 and can at least partially overlap firstFOV 260.

A controller 275 is also positioned within housing 205 and is incommunication with barcode reading module 220 and vision camera 255.Controller 275 is configured to decode process signals from barcodereading module 220 from barcodes that are read by barcode reading module220 and to receive and process images captured by and received fromvision camera 255 for processes that do not include barcode reading, asdiscussed above. Controller 275 is also configured to synchronizebarcode reading module 220 and vision camera 255 so that vision camera255 does not capture images when barcode reading module 220 is active.Controller 275 can synchronize barcode reading module 220 and visioncamera 255 based on images captured by vision camera 255 or handheldbarcode reader 200 could have an optical sensor 280 that is positionedin base portion 235, is in communication with controller 275, and has athird FOV 285 that at least partially overlaps second FOV 225 of barcodereading module 220 to determine when barcode reading module 220 isactive. Controller 275 can then be configured to receive signals fromoptical sensor 280 indicating whether or not barcode reading module 220is active and synchronize vision camera 255 and barcode reading module220 (e.g., by not capturing images from vision camera 255 while barcodereading module 220 is active) based on the signals received from opticalsensor 280. Alternatively, controller 275 could be configured tosynchronize vision camera 255 and barcode reading module 220 to activatesimultaneously so that vision camera 255 can use the same illuminationas barcode reading module 220.

As best shown in FIG. 7 , first FOV 260 of vision camera 255 has ahorizontal viewing angle 265 that is larger than the horizontal viewingangle 230 of second FOV 225 of barcode reading module 220. For example,horizontal viewing angle 265 of first FOV 260 could be between 80degrees and 120 degrees and is preferably 100 degrees. In addition,horizontal viewing angle 230 of second FOV 225 could be between 40degrees and 60 degrees. With horizontal viewing angle 265 of first FOV260 of vision camera 255 being wider than horizontal viewing angle 230of second FOV 225 of barcode reading module 220, vision camera 255 canbe used as a wake-up system and controller 275 can be configured to turnon barcode reading module 220 when an object is detected in first FOV260 of vision camera 255, before the object reaches second FOV 225 ofbarcode reading module 220. This allows barcode reading module 220 to beactive as the object enters second FOV 225 and allows more time forbarcode reading module 220 to read and decode a barcode on the object.

Handheld barcode reader 200 can also have two switchable, fieldupgradeable lower portions so that handheld barcode reader 200 can beconfigured to have vision camera 255 or not have vision camera 255. Forexample, referring to FIG. 8 , base portion 235 of handheld barcodereader 200 can have lower portion 250, as described above, whichincludes vision camera 255 (and optical sensor 280 if used) and can havea switchable, field upgradeable second lower portion 250A that is alsoremovably attachable to upper portion 240 of base portion 235 and doesnot include vision camera 255 or optical sensor 280. Since second lowerportion 250A does not have vision camera 255, second lower portion 250Acould have an extension 290 that extends from second lower portion 250Aand is configured to block base window 245 in upper portion 240.Alternatively, rather than extension 290, base window 245 could becovered or blocked by a label, a plug, a plate, etc. when second lowerportion 250A is used.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11 , a third example handheld barcode reader 300 isillustrated. Handheld barcode reader 300 generally includes a housing305 having a head portion 310 and a base portion 335. Base portion 335includes an upper portion 340, a lower portion 350 removably attached toupper portion 340, and a base window 345 formed in upper portion 340.While lower portion 350 is shown as being separable from upper portion340 in a horizontal direction, the separation between lower portion 350and upper portion 340 could be vertical or in any other directionappropriate for a particular application. In the particular exampleshown, housing 305 also has a handle portion 370 positioned between headportion 310 and base portion 335 and configured to be grasped by thehand of a user.

A vision camera 355 is positioned within base portion 335 and has afirst field-of-view (FOV) 360 that is directed out of base window 345 inupper portion 340 of base portion 335. Preferably, an area adjacent afront of handle portion 370 (e.g., within 10 mm of the front of handleportion 370 or within a finger's width of the front of handle portion370) is visible in first FOV 360, which can be used to determine if auser is gripping handle portion and possibly switch handheld barcodereader 300 between a hands-free presentation mode and a handheldscanning mode based on vision camera 355 detecting the presence orabsence of the hand of the user within first FOV 360. In the exampleshown, vision camera 355 is configured to capture images to performfunctions such as facial recognition, gesture recognition, productidentification, scan avoidance, ticket switching, etc., and is notconfigured to capture images for decoding barcodes.

A barcode reading module 320 is positioned at least partially in headportion 310 and has a second FOV 325 that is directed through a scanwindow 315 in head portion 310 and can at least partially overlap firstFOV 360.

A controller 375 is also positioned within housing 305 and is incommunication with barcode reading module 320 and vision camera 355.Controller 375 is configured to decode process signals from barcodereading module 320 from barcodes that are read by barcode reading module320 and to receive and process images captured by and received fromvision camera 355 for processes that do not include barcode reading, asdiscussed above. Controller 375 is also configured to synchronizebarcode reading module 320 and vision camera 355 so that vision camera355 does not capture images when barcode reading module 320 is active.Controller 375 can synchronize barcode reading module 320 and visioncamera 355 based on images captured by vision camera 355 or handheldbarcode reader 300 could have an optical sensor 380 that is positionedin base portion 335, is in communication with controller 375, and has athird FOV 385 that at least partially overlaps second FOV 325 of barcodereading module 320 to determine when barcode reading module 320 isactive. Controller 375 can then be configured to receive signals fromoptical sensor 380 indicating whether or not barcode reading module 320is active and synchronize vision camera 355 and barcode reading module320 (e.g., by not capturing images from vision camera 355 while barcodereading module 320 is active) based on the signals received from opticalsensor 380. Alternatively, controller 375 could be configured tosynchronize vision camera 355 and barcode reading module 320 to activatesimultaneously so that vision camera 355 can use the same illuminationas barcode reading module 320.

As best shown in FIG. 11 , first FOV 360 of vision camera 355 has ahorizontal viewing angle 365 that is larger than the horizontal viewingangle 330 of second FOV 325 of barcode reading module 320. For example,horizontal viewing angle 365 of first FOV 360 could be between 80degrees and 120 degrees and is preferably 100 degrees. In addition,horizontal viewing angle 330 of second FOV 325 could be between 40degrees and 60 degrees. With horizontal viewing angle 365 of first FOV360 of vision camera 355 being wider than horizontal viewing angle 330of second FOV 325 of barcode reading module 320, vision camera 355 canbe used as a wake-up system and controller 375 can be configured to turnon barcode reading module 320 when an object is detected in first FOV360 of vision camera 355, before the object reaches second FOV 325 ofbarcode reading module 320. This allows barcode reading module 320 to beactive as the object enters second FOV 325 and allows more time forbarcode reading module 320 to read and decode a barcode on the object.

Handheld barcode reader 300 can also have two switchable, fieldupgradeable lower portions so that handheld barcode reader 300 can beconfigured to have vision camera 355 or not have vision camera 355. Forexample, referring to FIG. 12 , base portion 335 of handheld barcodereader 300 can have lower portion 350, as described above, whichincludes vision camera 355 (and optical sensor 380 if used) and can havea switchable, field upgradeable second lower portion 350A that is alsoremovably attachable to upper portion 340 of base portion 335 and doesnot include vision camera 355 or optical sensor 380. Since second lowerportion 350A does not have vision camera 355, second lower portion 350Acould have an extension 390 that extends from second lower portion 350Aand is configured to block base window 345 in upper portion 340.Alternatively, rather than extension 390, base window 345 could becovered or blocked by a label, a plug, a plate, etc. when second lowerportion 350A is used.

Referring to FIGS. 13-16 , a fourth example handheld barcode reader 400is illustrated. Handheld barcode reader 400 generally includes a housing405 having a head portion 410 and a base portion 435. Head portion 410includes a front portion 432 with a front window 434 formed in frontportion 432.

A vision camera 455 is positioned at least partially within head portion410 and has a first field-of-view (FOV) 460 that is directed out offront window 434. In the example shown, vision camera 455 is configuredto capture images to perform functions such as facial recognition,gesture recognition, product identification, scan avoidance, ticketswitching, etc., and is not configured to capture images for decodingbarcodes.

A barcode reading module 420 is positioned at least partially in headportion 410 and has a second FOV 425 that is directed through a scanwindow 415 in head portion 410 and can at least partially overlap firstFOV 460.

A controller 475 is also positioned within housing 405 and is incommunication with barcode reading module 420 and vision camera 455.Controller 475 is configured to decode process signals from barcodereading module 420 from barcodes that are read by barcode reading module420 and to receive and process images captured by and received fromvision camera 455 for processes that do not include barcode reading, asdiscussed above. Controller 475 is also configured to synchronizebarcode reading module 420 and vision camera 455 so that vision camera455 does not capture images when barcode reading module 420 is active.Controller 475 can synchronize barcode reading module 420 and visioncamera 455 based on images captured by vision camera 455 or handheldbarcode reader 400 could have an optical sensor 480 that is positionedin head portion 410, is in communication with controller 475, and has athird FOV 485 that at least partially overlaps second FOV 425 of barcodereading module 420 to determine when barcode reading module 420 isactive. Controller 475 can then be configured to receive signals fromoptical sensor 480 indicating whether or not barcode reading module 420is active and synchronize vision camera 455 and barcode reading module420 (e.g., by not capturing images from vision camera 455 while barcodereading module 420 is active) based on the signals received from opticalsensor 480. Alternatively, controller 475 could be configured tosynchronize vision camera 455 and barcode reading module 420 to activatesimultaneously so that vision camera 455 can use the same illuminationas barcode reading module 420.

As best shown in FIG. 15 , first FOV 460 of vision camera 455 has ahorizontal viewing angle 465 that is larger than the horizontal viewingangle 430 of second FOV 425 of barcode reading module 420. For example,horizontal viewing angle 465 of first FOV 460 could be between 80degrees and 120 degrees and is preferably 100 degrees. In addition,horizontal viewing angle 430 of second FOV 425 could be between 40degrees and 60 degrees. With horizontal viewing angle 465 of first FOV460 of vision camera 455 being wider than horizontal viewing angle 430of second FOV 425 of barcode reading module 420, vision camera 455 canbe used as a wake-up system and controller 475 can be configured to turnon barcode reading module 420 when an object is detected in first FOV460 of vision camera 455, before the object reaches second FOV 425 ofbarcode reading module 420. This allows barcode reading module 420 to beactive as the object enters second FOV 425 and allows more time forbarcode reading module 420 to read and decode a barcode on the object.

Handheld barcode reader 400 can also have two switchable, fieldupgradeable front portions so that handheld barcode reader 400 can beconfigured to have vision camera 455 or not have vision camera 455. Forexample, referring to FIG. 16 , head portion 410 of handheld barcodereader 400 can have front portion 432, as described above, whichincludes vision camera 455 (and optical sensor 480 if used) and can havea switchable, field upgradeable second front portion 432A that does notinclude vision camera 255 or optical sensor 280. Since second frontportion 432A does not have vision camera 255, second front portion 432Aalso does not require front window 434.

Referring to FIGS. 17-20 , an example base 500 is illustrated that isconfigured to receive and support a handheld barcode reader. Base 500can be a presentation cradle that supports and holds the handheldbarcode reader (e.g., base 500 can hold the handheld barcode reader inan orientation that allows the handheld barcode reader to be used in ahands free application) and/or a charging base that supports, holds, andcharges the handheld barcode reader. Base 500 generally includes a basehousing 505 with a cradle section 510 that is configured to receive thehandheld barcode reader. Base housing 505 can have an upper portion 515,which could include cradle section 510, and a lower portion 525 that isremovably attached to upper portion 515. If base 500 is a charging base,base 500 can include one or more charging contacts 540 configured tocontact corresponding charging contacts on the handheld barcode readerto charge the handheld barcode reader. Alternatively, rather thancharging contacts 540, base 500 can include an induction charging coilor any other applicable charging means to charge the handheld barcodereader.

A vision camera 530 is positioned within base housing 505 and has afirst FOV 535 that is directed through a base window 520 formed basehousing 505, and specifically in upper portion 515 of base housing 505in the example shown. In one example, vision camera 530 can bemovable/rotatable within base housing 505 such that the direction thatfirst FOV 535 is directed through base window 520 is adjustablehorizontally and/or vertically. Movement/rotation of vision camera 530can be accomplished by mounting vision camera 530 to a gimbal 560 orother device that would allow movement of vision camera 530 within basehousing 505. In the example shown, vision camera 530 is configured tocapture images to perform functions such as facial recognition, gesturerecognition, product identification, scan avoidance, ticket switching,etc., and is not configured to capture images for decoding barcodes.Base 500 can also include an illumination source 545 positioned withinbase housing 505 that directs illumination 550 through base window 520to illuminate objects within first FOV 535. A diffuser 555 can also bepositioned in front of illumination source 545 to diffuse illumination550.

Base 500 can also have two switchable, field upgradeable lower portionsso that base 500 can be can be configured to have vision camera 530 ornot have vision camera 530. For example, referring to FIG. 20 , basehousing 505 of base 500 can have lower portion 525, as described above,which includes vision camera 530 (and illumination source 545 if used)and can have a switchable, field upgradeable second lower portion 525Athat is also removably attachable to upper portion 515, for example viascrees, snaps, pins, toggle switches, etc., and that does not includevision camera 530 or illumination source 545. Since second lower portion525A does not have vision camera 530, second lower portion 525A couldhave an extension 565 that extends from second lower portion 525A and isconfigured to block base window 520 in upper portion 515. Alternatively,rather than extension 565, base window 520 could be covered or blockedby a label, a plug, a plate, etc. when second lower portion 525A isused.

Referring to FIG. 21 , a first example handheld barcode reader assembly600 is illustrated that includes base 500, described above andillustrated in FIGS. 17-20 , and a handheld barcode reader 605positioned in base 500. Example handheld barcode reader 605 generallyincludes a housing 615 having a head portion 620, a base portion 645,and a handle portion 650 positioned between head portion 620 and baseportion 645 and configured to be grasped by a user.

A barcode reading module 630 is positioned at least partially in headportion 620 and has a second FOV 635 that is directed through a scanwindow 625 in head portion 620 and can at least partially overlap firstFOV 535 of vision camera 530 of base 500 when handheld barcode reader605 is positioned in base 500.

Handheld barcode reader 605 also has a controller 655 within housing 305that is in communication with barcode reading module 630 and with visioncamera 530 of base 500, for example, through charging contacts 540 orthrough any other available contract, contactless, wired, or wirelessmeans. Controller 655 is configured to decode process signals frombarcode reading module 630 from barcodes that are read by barcodereading module 630 and to receive and process images captured by andreceived from vision camera 530 of base 500 for processes that do notinclude barcode reading, as discussed above. Controller 655 is alsoconfigured to synchronize barcode reading module 630 and vision camera530 of base 500 when handheld barcode reader 605 is positioned in base500 so that vision camera 530 does not capture images when barcodereading module 630 is active. Controller 655 can synchronize barcodereading module 630 and vision camera 530 based on images captured byvision camera 530 or base 500 could have an optical sensor 570 that ispositioned in base 500, is in communication with controller 655, and hasa third FOV 575 that at least partially overlaps second FOV 635 ofbarcode reading module 630 to determine when barcode reading module 630is active. Controller 655 can then be configured to receive signals fromoptical sensor 570 indicating whether or not barcode reading module 630is active and synchronize vision camera 530 and barcode reading module630 (e.g., by not capturing images from vision camera 530 while barcodereading module 630 is active) based on the signals received from opticalsensor 570. Alternatively, controller 655 could be configured tosynchronize vision camera 530 and barcode reading module 630 to activatesimultaneously so that vision camera 530 can use the same illuminationas barcode reading module 630.

If base 500 is a charging base, handheld barcode reader 605 can havecharging contacts, an induction coil, or another appropriate chargingmeans that correspond to charging contacts 540, an induction coil, oranother appropriate charging means in base 500 to charge handheldbarcode reader 605 when it is positioned in base 500. In addition, ascan be seen in FIG. 21 , with handheld barcode reader 605 positioned inbase 500, a front edge 610 of handheld barcode reader 605 is visiblewithin first FOV 535 of vision camera 530 of base 500, which can provideone way for handheld barcode reader assembly 600 to determine if/whenhandheld barcode reader 605 is present in base 500.

As best shown in FIG. 22 , first FOV 535 of vision camera 530 of base500 has a horizontal viewing angle 537 that is larger than thehorizontal viewing angle 640 of second FOV 635 of barcode reading module630 of handheld barcode reader 605. For example, horizontal viewingangle 537 of first FOV 535 could be between 80 degrees and 120 degreesand is preferably 100 degrees. In addition, horizontal viewing angle 640of second FOV 635 could be between 40 degrees and 60 degrees. Withhorizontal viewing angle 537 of first FOV 535 of vision camera 530 beingwider than horizontal viewing angle 640 of second FOV 635 of barcodereading module 630, vision camera 530 can be used as a wake-up systemand controller 655 can be configured to turn on barcode reading module630 when an object is detected in first FOV 535 of vision camera 530 andhandheld barcode reader 605 is positioned in base 500, before the objectreaches second FOV 635 of barcode reading module 630. This allowsbarcode reading module 630 to be active as the object enters second FOV635 and allows more time for barcode reading module 630 to read anddecode a barcode on the object when handheld barcode reader 605 ispositioned in base 500 and operating in a hands free mode of operation.

In addition, base 500 of handheld barcode reader assembly 600 can alsohave two switchable, field upgradeable lower portions so that base 500can be configured to have vision camera 530 or not have vision camera530, as described above.

Referring to FIG. 23 , an example cradle 700 is illustrated that isconfigured to receive and support a handheld barcode reader. Cradle 700can be a presentation cradle that supports and holds the handheldbarcode reader (e.g., cradle 700 can hold the handheld barcode reader inan orientation that allows the handheld barcode reader to be used in ahands free application) and/or a charging cradle that supports, holds,and charges the handheld barcode reader. Cradle 700 generally includes acradle portion 705 that is configured to receive and hold the handheldbarcode reader, a base portion 715, and an arm 725, or other supportstructure, connecting cradle portion 705 to base portion 715. In theexample shown, arm 725 is an adjustable gooseneck arm, but could be anytype of adjustable or non-adjustable arm or other support structure tointerconnect cradle portion 705 and base portion 715. If cradle 700 is acharging cradle, cradle 700 can include one or more charging elements745, such as charging contacts configured to contact correspondingcharging contacts on the handheld barcode reader, an induction chargingcoil corresponding to an induction charging coil in the handheld barcodereader, etc., to charge the handheld barcode reader.

A vision camera 730 is preferably positioned in base portion 715 and hasa first FOV 735 that is directed through a base window 720 formed baseportion 715. Alternatively, as shown in phantom in FIG. 23 , visioncamera 730 could be positioned in cradle portion 705 and first FOV 735could be directed through a cradle window 710 in cradle portion 705. Ifdesired, separate vision cameras 730 could be positioned with one inbase portion 715 and one in cradle portion 705 to provide substantiallydifferent angles of view of an object, which can be helpful inidentifying ticket switching and for product identification. In oneexample, vision camera 730 can be movable/rotatable within base portion715 such that the direction that first FOV 735 is directed through basewindow 720 is adjustable horizontally and/or vertically.Movement/rotation of vision camera 730 can be accomplished by mountingvision camera 730 to a gimbal 740 or other device that would allowmovement of vision camera 730 within base portion 715. In the exampleshown, vision camera 730 is configured to capture images to performfunctions such as facial recognition, gesture recognition, productidentification, scan avoidance, ticket switching, etc., and is notconfigured to capture images for decoding barcodes. Cradle 700 can alsoinclude an illumination source 750 positioned within base portion 715that directs illumination 755 through base window 720 to illuminateobjects within first FOV 735. A diffuser 760 can also be positioned infront of illumination source 750 to diffuse illumination 755.

Referring to FIG. 24 , a second example handheld barcode reader assembly800 is illustrated that includes cradle 700, described above andillustrated in FIGS. 17-20 , and handheld barcode reader 605, describedabove, positioned in base 500. Second FOV 635 of barcode reading module630 of handheld barcode reader 605 can at least partially overlap firstFOV 735 of vision camera 730 of cradle 700 when handheld barcode reader605 is positioned in cradle 700.

Controller 655 of handheld barcode reader 605 is in communication withbarcode reading module 630 and with vision camera 730 of cradle 700, forexample, through charging element 745 or through any other availablecontract, contactless, wired, or wireless means. Controller 655 isconfigured to decode process signals from barcode reading module 630from barcodes that are read by barcode reading module 630 and to receiveand process images captured by and received from vision camera 730 ofcradle 700 for processes that do not include barcode reading, asdiscussed above. Controller 655 is also configured to synchronizebarcode reading module 630 and vision camera 730 of cradle 700 whenhandheld barcode reader 605 is positioned in cradle 700 so that visioncamera 730 does not capture images when barcode reading module 630 isactive. Controller 655 can synchronize barcode reading module 630 andvision camera 730 based on images captured by vision camera 730 orcradle 700 could have an optical sensor 765 that is positioned in cradle700, is in communication with controller 655, and has a third FOV 770that at least partially overlaps second FOV 635 of barcode readingmodule 630 to determine when barcode reading module 630 is active.Controller 655 can then be configured to receive signals from opticalsensor 765 indicating whether or not barcode reading module 630 isactive and synchronize vision camera 730 and barcode reading module 630(e.g., by not capturing images from vision camera 730 while barcodereading module 630 is active) based on the signals received from opticalsensor 765. Alternatively, controller 655 could be configured tosynchronize vision camera 730 and barcode reading module 630 to activatesimultaneously so that vision camera 730 can use the same illuminationas barcode reading module 630.

In addition, as can be seen in FIG. 24 , with handheld barcode reader605 positioned in cradle 700, front edge 610 of handheld barcode reader605 is visible within first FOV 735 of vision camera 730 of cradle 700,which can provide one way for handheld barcode reader assembly 800 todetermine if/when handheld barcode reader 605 is present in cradle 700.

As best shown in FIG. 25 , first FOV 735 of vision camera 730 of cradle700 has a horizontal viewing angle 775 that is larger than thehorizontal viewing angle 640 of second FOV 635 of barcode reading module630 of handheld barcode reader 605. For example, horizontal viewingangle 775 of first FOV 735 could be between 80 degrees and 120 degreesand is preferably 100 degrees. In addition, horizontal viewing angle 640of second FOV 635 could be between 40 degrees and 60 degrees. Withhorizontal viewing angle 775 of first FOV 735 of vision camera 730 beingwider than horizontal viewing angle 640 of second FOV 635 of barcodereading module 630, vision camera 730 can be used as a wake-up systemand controller 655 can be configured to turn on barcode reading module630 when an object is detected in first FOV 735 of vision camera 730 andhandheld barcode reader 605 is positioned in cradle 700, before theobject reaches second FOV 635 of barcode reading module 630. This allowsbarcode reading module 630 to be active as the object enters second FOV635 and allows more time for barcode reading module 630 to read anddecode a barcode on the object when handheld barcode reader 605 ispositioned in cradle 700 and operating in a hands free mode ofoperation.

Rather than integrating a vision camera directly into the handheldbarcode reader or a base for a handheld barcode reader, the visioncamera can also be integrated into an adapter that can be attached to ahandheld barcode reader (e.g., to a base portion or a head portion ofthe handheld barcode reader) or to a base for a handheld barcode reader.This would allow the handheld barcode reader, base, or handheld barcodereader assembly to be sold with and without the vision camera whilekeeping the no camera configuration free of the extra cost and height ofthe camera version. Referring to FIGS. 26-27 , an example adapter 1000is illustrated that can be configured to be attached to a handheldbarcode reader (e.g., to a base portion or a head portion of thehandheld barcode reader) or to be attached to a base that is configuredto receive and support a handheld barcode reader. Adapter 1000 generallyincludes an adapter housing 1005 and a means for attaching the adapterhousing to a base portion of a housing of the handheld barcode reader orto the base for the handheld barcode reader. The handheld barcode readeror the base for the handheld barcode reader could be attached to anupper surface 1010 of adapter housing 1005, for example with screws,snaps, hooks, adhesive, magnets, etc., or, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 ,adapter housing 1005 can include a cavity 1015 that is configured toreceive the base portion of the handheld barcode reader or the base forthe handheld barcode reader, which can be retained in cavity 1015 bytabs 1020 or any other appropriate attachment means, such as screws,snaps, a friction fit, hooks, adhesive, dowel pins, magnets, etc.

A vision camera 1030 is positioned within adapter housing 1005 and has afirst FOV 1035 that is directed through a base window 1025 formedadapter housing 1005. Preferably, an area adjacent a front of handleportion 1145 (e.g., within 10 mm of the front of handle portion 1145 orwithin a finger's width of the front of handle portion 1145) is visiblein first FOV 1035, which can be used to determine if a user is grippinghandle portion and possibly switch handheld barcode reader 1105 betweena hands-free presentation mode and a handheld scanning mode based onvision camera 1030 detecting the presence or absence of the hand of theuser within first FOV 1035. In one example, vision camera 1030 can bemovable/rotatable within adapter housing 1005 such that the directionthat first FOV 1035 is directed through base window 1025 is adjustablehorizontally and/or vertically. Movement/rotation of vision camera 1030can be accomplished by mounting vision camera 1030 to a gimbal 1045 orother device that would allow movement of vision camera 1030 withinadapter housing 1005. In the example shown, vision camera 1030 isconfigured to capture images to perform functions such as facialrecognition, gesture recognition, product identification, scanavoidance, ticket switching, etc., and is not configured to captureimages for decoding barcodes. Adapter 1000 can also include anillumination source 1050 positioned within adapter housing 1005 thatdirects illumination 1055 through base window 1025 to illuminate objectswithin first FOV 1035. A diffuser 1060 can also be positioned in frontof illumination source 1050 to diffuse illumination 1055.

Referring to FIGS. 28-30 , a third example handheld barcode readerassembly 1100 is illustrated that includes adapter 1000, described aboveand illustrated in FIGS. 26-27 , and a handheld barcode reader 1105attached to adapter 1000. Example handheld barcode reader 1105 generallyincludes a housing 1110 having a head portion 1115, a base portion 1140,and a handle portion 1145 positioned between head portion 1115 and baseportion 1140 and configured to be grasped by a user. Rather thanhandheld barcode reader 1105, barcode reader assembly 1100 couldalternatively have other styles of handheld barcode readers, such slotscanners, such as handheld barcode reader 200 described above.

Handheld barcode reader 1105 also has a barcode reading module 1125positioned at least partially in head portion 1115 and barcode readingmodule 1125 has a second FOV 1130 that is directed through a scan window1120 in head portion 1115, which can at least partially overlap firstFOV 1035 of vision camera 1030 of adapter 1000 when handheld barcodereader 1105 is attached to adapter 1000. Handheld barcode reader 1105also has a controller 1150 within housing 1110 that is in communicationwith barcode reading module 1125 and with vision camera 1030 of adapter1000 with adapter 1000 attached to handheld barcode reader 1105, forexample, through any appropriate contact, contactless, wired, orwireless means. Controller 1150 is configured to decode process signalsfrom barcode reading module 1125 from barcodes that are read by barcodereading module 1125 and to receive and process images captured by andreceived from vision camera 1030 of adapter 1000 for processes that donot include barcode reading, as discussed above. Controller 1150 is alsoconfigured to synchronize barcode reading module 1125 and vision camera1030 of adapter 1000 when handheld barcode reader 1105 is attached toadapter 1000 so that vision camera 1030 does not capture images whenbarcode reading module 1125 is active and adapter 1000 is attached tohandheld barcode reader 1105. Controller 1150 can synchronize barcodereading module 1125 and vision camera 1030 based on images captured byvision camera 1030 or adapter 1000 could have an optical sensor 1065that is positioned in adapter housing 1005, is in communication withcontroller 1150, and has a third FOV 1070 that at least partiallyoverlaps second FOV 1130 of barcode reading module 1125 to determinewhen barcode reading module 1125 is active. Controller 1150 can then beconfigured to receive signals from optical sensor 1065 indicatingwhether or not barcode reading module 1125 is active and synchronizevision camera 1030 and barcode reading module 1125 (e.g., by notcapturing images from vision camera 1030 while barcode reading module1125 is active) based on the signals received from optical sensor 1065.Alternatively, controller 1150 could be configured to synchronize visioncamera 1030 and barcode reading module 1125 to activate simultaneouslyso that vision camera 1030 can use the same illumination as barcodereading module 1125.

In addition, as can be seen in FIG. 29 , with handheld barcode reader1105 attached to adapter 1000, a front edge 1155 of handheld barcodereader 1105 is visible within first FOV 1035 of vision camera 1030 ofadapter 1000, which can provide one way for handheld barcode readerassembly 1100 to determine if/when handheld barcode reader 1105 isattached to adapter 1000.

As best shown in FIG. 30 , first FOV 1035 of vision camera 1030 ofadapter 1000 has a horizontal viewing angle 1040 that is larger than thehorizontal viewing angle 1135 of second FOV 1130 of barcode readingmodule 1125 of handheld barcode reader 1105. For example, horizontalviewing angle 1040 of first FOV 1035 could be between 80 degrees and 120degrees and is preferably 100 degrees. In addition, horizontal viewingangle 1135 of second FOV 1130 could be between 40 degrees and 60degrees. With horizontal viewing angle 1040 of first FOV 1035 of visioncamera 1030 being wider than horizontal viewing angle 1135 of second FOV1130 of barcode reading module 1125, vision camera 1030 can be used as awake-up system and controller 1150 can be configured to turn on barcodereading module 1125 when an object is detected in first FOV 1035 ofvision camera 1030 and handheld barcode reader 1105 is attached toadapter 1000, before the object reaches second FOV 1130 of barcodereading module 1125. This allows barcode reading module 1125 to beactive as the object enters second FOV 1130 and allows more time forbarcode reading module 1125 to read and decode a barcode on the objectwhen handheld barcode reader 1105 is attached to adapter 1000.

Referring to FIGS. 31-32 , a fourth example handheld barcode readerassembly 1200 is illustrated that includes adapter 1000, described aboveand illustrated in FIGS. 26-27 , a base 1205 attached to adapter 1000,and a handheld barcode reader 1225 received within and supported by base1205. Example base 1205 generally includes a base housing 1210 having acradle section 1215 to receive and support handheld barcode reader 1225.Example handheld barcode reader 1225 generally includes a housing 1235having a head portion 1240, a base portion 1265, and a handle portion1270 positioned between head portion 1240 and base portion 1265 andconfigured to be grasped by a user.

Handheld barcode reader 1225 also has a barcode reading module 1250positioned at least partially in head portion 1240 and barcode readingmodule 1250 has a second FOV 1255 that is directed through a scan window1245 in head portion 1240, which can at least partially overlap firstFOV 1035 of vision camera 1030 of adapter 1000 when base 1205 isattached to adapter 1000 and handheld barcode reader 1105 is positionedin base 1205. Handheld barcode reader 1225 also has a controller 1275within housing 1235 that is in communication with barcode reading module1250 and with vision camera 1030 of adapter 1000 with adapter 1000attached to base 1205, for example, through any appropriate contact,contactless, wired, or wireless means. Controller 1275 is configured todecode process signals from barcode reading module 1250 from barcodesthat are read by barcode reading module 1250 and to receive and processimages captured by and received from vision camera 1030 of adapter 1000for processes that do not include barcode reading, as discussed above.Controller 1275 is also configured to synchronize barcode reading module1250 and vision camera 1030 of adapter 1000 when base 1205 is attachedto adapter 1000 and handheld barcode reader 1225 is positioned in base1205 so that vision camera 1030 does not capture images when barcodereading module 1250 is active and adapter 1000 is attached to base 1205.Controller 1275 can synchronize barcode reading module 1250 and visioncamera 1030 based on images captured by vision camera 1030 or adapter1000 could have an optical sensor 1065 that is positioned in adapterhousing 1005, is in communication with controller 1275, and has a thirdFOV 1070 that at least partially overlaps second FOV 1255 of barcodereading module 1250 to determine when barcode reading module 1250 isactive. Controller 1275 can then be configured to receive signals fromoptical sensor 1065 indicating whether or not barcode reading module1250 is active and synchronize vision camera 1030 and barcode readingmodule 1250 (e.g., by not capturing images from vision camera 1030 whilebarcode reading module 1250 is active) based on the signals receivedfrom optical sensor 1065. Alternatively, controller 1275 could beconfigured to synchronize vision camera 1030 and barcode reading module1250 to activate simultaneously so that vision camera 1030 can use thesame illumination as barcode reading module 1250.

In addition, as can be seen in FIG. 31 , with base 1205 attached toadapter 1000 and handheld barcode reader 1225 positioned in base 1205, afront edge 1230 of handheld barcode reader 1225 is visible within firstFOV 1035 of vision camera 1030 of adapter 1000, which can provide oneway for handheld barcode reader assembly 1200 to determine if/when base1205 is attached to adapter 1000 and handheld barcode reader 1225 ispositioned in base 1205.

As best shown in FIG. 32 , first FOV 1035 of vision camera 1030 ofadapter 1000 has a horizontal viewing angle 1040 that is larger than thehorizontal viewing angle 1260 of second FOV 1255 of barcode readingmodule 1250 of handheld barcode reader 1225. For example, horizontalviewing angle 1040 of first FOV 1035 could be between 80 degrees and 120degrees and is preferably 100 degrees. In addition, horizontal viewingangle 1260 of second FOV 1255 could be between 40 degrees and 60degrees. With horizontal viewing angle 1040 of first FOV 1035 of visioncamera 1030 being wider than horizontal viewing angle 1260 of second FOV1255 of barcode reading module 1250, vision camera 1030 can be used as awake-up system and controller 1275 can be configured to turn on barcodereading module 1250 when an object is detected in first FOV 1035 ofvision camera 1030, base 1205 is attached to adapter 1000, and handheldbarcode reader 1225 is positioned in base 1205, before the objectreaches second FOV 1255 of barcode reading module 1250. This allowsbarcode reading module 1250 to be active as the object enters second FOV1255 and allows more time for barcode reading module 1250 to read anddecode a barcode on the object when base 1205 is attached to adapter1000 and handheld barcode reader 1225 is positioned in base 1205.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have beendescribed. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates thatvarious modifications and changes can be made without departing from thescope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly,the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrativerather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intendedto be included within the scope of present teachings. Additionally, thedescribed embodiments/examples/implementations should not be interpretedas mutually exclusive, and should instead be understood as potentiallycombinable if such combinations are permissive in any way. In otherwords, any feature disclosed in any of the aforementionedembodiments/examples/implementations may be included in any of the otheraforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations.

The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) thatmay cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of any or all the claims. The claimed invention isdefined solely by the appended claims including any amendments madeduring the pendency of this application and all equivalents of thoseclaims as issued.

Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second,top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish oneentity or action from another entity or action without necessarilyrequiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between suchentities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”,“having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any othervariation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, suchthat a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has,includes, contains a list of elements does not include only thoseelements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherentto such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by“comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . .a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence ofadditional identical elements in the process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms“a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly statedotherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”,“approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined asbeing close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and inone non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, inanother embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and inanother embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein isdefined as connected, although not necessarily directly and notnecessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” ina certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also beconfigured in ways that are not listed.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader toquickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It issubmitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpretor limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in theforegoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features aregrouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less thanall features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the followingclaims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with eachclaim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

1. A handheld barcode reader, comprising: a housing defining a headportion and a base portion; a vision camera positioned at leastpartially in the head portion, the vision camera having a firstfield-of-view (FOV); a barcode reading module positioned at leastpartially in the head portion, the barcode reading module having asecond FOV directed through a scan window in the head portion; and acontroller in communication with the barcode reading module and thevision camera, the controller configured to decode barcodes read by thebarcode reading module, receive captured images from the vision camera,and synchronize the barcode reading module and the vision camera suchthat the vision camera does not capture images when the barcode readingmodule is active.
 2. The handheld barcode reader of claim 1, wherein thefirst FOV at least partially overlaps the second FOV.
 3. The handheldbarcode reader of claim 2, wherein the first FOV has a horizontalviewing angle between 80 degrees and 120 degrees.
 4. The handheldbarcode reader of claim 3, wherein the horizontal viewing angle is 100degrees.
 5. The handheld barcode reader of claim 4, wherein the secondFOV has a horizontal viewing angle between 40 degrees and 60 degrees andthe controller is configured to turn on the barcode reading module whenan object is detected in the first FOV.
 6. The handheld barcode readerof claim 1, comprising: an optical sensor positioned in the base portionand in communication with the controller, the optical sensor having anthird FOV that at least partially overlaps the second FOV; wherein thecontroller receives signals from the optical sensor and synchronizes thebarcode reading module and the vision camera based on the signals fromthe optical sensor.
 7. The handheld barcode reader of claim 1, wherein:the head portion comprises two switchable, field upgradable portions; afirst portion of the two switchable, field upgradable portions comprisesthe vision camera, the first FOV of the vision camera being directedthrough a front window formed in the head portion; and a second portionof the two switchable, field upgradable portions does not include thevision camera.
 8. The handheld barcode reader of claim 7, wherein thefirst FOV has a horizontal viewing angle between 80 degrees and 120degrees.
 9. The handheld barcode reader of claim 8, wherein thehorizontal viewing angle is 100 degrees.
 10. The handheld barcode readerof claim 9, comprising a controller in communication with the barcodereading module and the vision camera and configured to decode barcodesread by the barcode reading module and to receive captured images fromthe vision camera, wherein the second FOV has a horizontal viewing anglebetween 40 degrees and 60 degrees and the controller is configured toturn on the barcode reading module when an object is detected in thefirst FOV.
 11. The handheld barcode reader of claim 7, comprising acontroller in communication with the barcode reading module and thevision camera and configured to decode barcodes read by the barcodereading module, receive captured images from the vision camera, andsynchronize the barcode reading module and the vision camera such thatthe vision camera does not capture images when the barcode readingmodule is active.
 12. The handheld barcode reader of claim 11, wherein:the first portion comprises an optical sensor in communication with thecontroller, the optical sensor having a third FOV that at leastpartially overlaps the second FOV; and the controller receives signalsfrom the optical sensor and synchronizes the barcode reading module andthe vision camera based on the signals from the optical sensor.